Lack of running also equals lack of blogging ideas. Luckily there have been lots of interesting articles and interviews regarding the upcoming marathon Trials. I mentioned that runnersworld.com has been doing a nice job with pieces on guys like Ryan Hall, James Carney, Ed Eyestone, etc. Their latest article is on Jason Lehmkuhle. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the first 3-4 paragraphs seem a little out of place – like the author is just trying to let everyone know that he knows a bunch of elite runners are having babies.
The New York Road Runners have also set up a page on their website to promote the Trials.
Speaking of New York, if you know of any great deals on places to stay or if you plan on being out there for the Trials, be sure to let me know.
Quote of the day;
“I thought I was ready for Boston but what I learned is that course-specific preparation is crucial, and I hadn't done enough downhills to handle the Boston course.” - Jason Lehmkuhle
4 comments:
Glad to hear that your health is good and you're feeling better about running in general. Speaking of course specific preparation, do you have any helpful hints for a first time TCM participant? Since my goal is similar to what yours was (6:40 pace), I figured you could help a brother out. Also, will you be spectating on the 7th, and where will you be? Let me know here or you can email me directly.
Peter
Peter,
Personally, I think TCM is the kind of course that you can attack during the last 10K - IF you run the first 20 correctly. You have to pace yourself knowing that miles 20-23 are almost all gradually uphill (only 1 steeper section during that stretch - around 21.5).
If you get to mile 20 feeling whipped - it's too late, you'll be shuffling in. If you get to mile 20 feeling good, you can pass a ton of people.
Of course, this can be said for any marathon, but of the marathons I've run (Gma's, TCM, Boston, Whistlestop), TCM has the toughest last 10K - as far as uphill.
Otherwise, the course is beautiful with the lakes, the Parkway, the River Roads, Summit Avenue, the Cathedral and the Capital. Lots of fan support and as of right now, it looks like the temperatures will be nice at the start - low 40s.
I'm sure I'll be spectating - probably on my bike, so I can hit a bunch of spots, including that steep hill at 21.5.
It bears saying--on the basis of my own mistakes--that if you feel good at 20, do not charge up the first hill at 20.5, nor the next hill just past 21. They're short, and steeper than the long uphill drag from 22 to 23 up Summit. You won't lose much time taking the 20.5/21.5 hills relatively easy, and saving your energy somewhat.
The point is that at 20 miles you can tip over the edge (hit the wall) quite easily, and eking out your energy gradually over the last 10km is the way to go.
Thanks both Chad and Evan for the helpful hints. My two marathons were exactly opposite in what happened the last 10k. I certainly want to be passing people than the other way around. Plan to run steady 6:35-6:45 pace and get to 23, then see what I have left. I'll be wearing bib #1195. I most likely will wear a yellow shirt and pale blue shorts. See you out there!
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